Construction crews began work just hours after the Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission voted to approve the project.

The $70 million casino will be located just north of the Cherokee/Crawford county line, at the junction of Route 400 and US 69, bringing an estimated 300 jobs.

"Jobs, tourists, visitors, the whole thing is just a huge deal for Crawford County and southeast Kansas," said B.J. Harris, executive director of the Crawford County Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Because Kansas Crossing is located in Pittsburg city limits, not only will Cherokee County and Crawford County each receive one percent of gaming revenue each year, but the City of Pittsburg will receive one percent as well.

"We kind of spent our reserves down during the great recession, so we're trying to catch up, probably $1 million behind," said Daron Hall, Pittsburg city manager. "The fact that we're looking at $300-400,000 a year, we could catch up theoretically in three years, rather than having to increase property taxes to catch up."

Kansas Crossing developers have also pledged $10,000 annually for the next ten years for tourism organizations in southeast Kansas, an additional $50,000 a year for tourism at Pittsburg State University's new Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, along with $400,000 a year for the Southeast Kansas Tech Education Center.

"$400,000 to keep the tuition down, and the cost of providing that education to those people that come is really going to make a difference," Hall said.

"That was something that really set them apart as well, their commitment to the area financially," Harris said. "Not just what they were mandated to give, but what they've given above and beyond that."

Charlotte is here seeking knowledge, to become a better gun owner. "You never know when it's going to be important to you if you get into a situation where you have to shoot someone" The law may allow conceal carry but when you use your weapon may not be crystal clear, so this session offered advice. "The common mishap is people who want to react to somebody trespassing on their property, make sure they understand. No, you don't just get to run outside with a gun and ...More >>

Charlotte is here seeking knowledge, to become a better gun owner. "You never know when it's going to be important to you if you get into a situation where you have to shoot someone" The law may allow conceal carry but when you use your weapon may not be crystal clear, so this session offered advice. "The common mishap is people who want to react to somebody trespassing on their property, make sure they understand. No, you don't just get to run outside with a gun and ...More >>